AP PhotoLions quarterback Matthew Stafford stands on the sideline after leaving Saturday's preseason game with an injury to his non-throwing hand.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions fans collectively held their breath on Saturday night after quarterback Matthew Stafford was seen on the sideline with his non-throwing hand heavily wrapped.

On his final snap of the game, Stafford took a hit from Raiders defensive end Dave Tollefson after running back Mikel Leshoure missed a block. As Stafford went to the ground, he broke a blood vessel that caused his non-throwing hand to quickly swell.

At the time, he was concerned he had broken a bone.

"Yeah, it was kind of scaring me," Stafford said. "I didn't know what it was. I didn't know if I cracked it or what, but I've never seen it swell like that before. I was pissed because I thought I had broken it or something."

The swelling didn't go down until the following morning, but the hand was in good enough shape for Stafford to be back on the practice field on Monday afternoon.

Stafford isn't sure if he'll play in the Lions' final preseason game, a Thursday matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

"I'm not sure. Whatever coach comes up with."

One thing is for certain, had Saturday's game been a regular season contest, broken hand or not, Stafford would have made every effort to return to the field.

"I don't know if he told that to the media, I don't know if I'm supposed to say this, he said that to us on the sideline, 'If that was a real game, I'd play,'" teammate Nate Burleson said.